Trash removal system and method for removing trash from water bottom, and water vessel including the same

ABSTRACT

A trash removal system for removing trash and debris from a water bottom is provided. The system includes a sled configured to ride along the water bottom, the sled including a jetting aeration system having nozzles which provide jets of pressurized air and water directed towards the water bottom; and a vacuum including a suction funnel adjacent the jetting aeration system which is configured to suck in trash and debris agitated by the jetting aeration system. The system further includes a conveyor configured at one end to receive the trash and debris sucked in by the suction funnel, and to transport the trash and debris to a surface above the water bottom.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a system and method for removing trash from the floor of rivers, lake, oceans and other bodies of water. More particularly, the invention relates to a dredge-type system in which trash, debris and other man-made contaminants are captured from the floor and extracted to the surface of a water vessel for subsequent disposal.

BACKGROUND ART

The presence of various types of rubbish and debris in our rivers, streams, lakes, oceans and other bodies of water has continued to increase over the years. The floor of these bodies of water can become virtually smothered in trash and other debris. The trash and debris can include man-made plastics which do not degrade, such as plastic bags and bottles. The trash and debris may include glass bottles, aluminum cans, rubber tires, and countless other types of environmentally destructive items. Large ocean inlets are often subject to debris that is washed in from connecting streams and rivers. Trash in these streams and rivers typically comes from cities through which these streams and rivers run.

The trash and debris typically becomes layered in anaerobic silt which provided by river or stream runoff from the land. These layers of trash, debris and anaerobic silt have literally destroyed the benthic environment that is so essential to all forms of marine life. This is especially true of plant life so essential to scallops, flounder and many others. This has led to a reduction in fish for commercial and sport fishing, while providing an ever increasing number of other environmental and ecological problems.

In view of the aforementioned environmental and ecological problems, there is a strong and urgent need for cleaning up our rivers, lakes, oceans, etc. More particularly, there is a strong and urgent need for a way to quickly and efficiently clean these bodies of water by removing the trash and other types of debris from water bottoms with minimal environmental effect.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to an aspect of the invention, a trash removal system for removing trash and debris from a water bottom is provided. The system includes a sled configured to ride along the water bottom, the sled including a jetting aeration system having nozzles which provide jets of pressurized air and water directed towards the water bottom; and a vacuum including a suction funnel adjacent the jetting aeration system which is configured to suck in trash and debris agitated by the jetting aeration system. The system further includes a conveyor configured at one end to receive the trash and debris sucked in by the suction funnel, and to transport the trash and debris to a surface above the water bottom.

In accordance with another aspect, the jetting aeration system includes an air manifold with a plurality of tubes extending from the air manifold and distributed in a widthwise direction along a bottom of the sled, with ends of the plurality of tubes being configured to serve as the nozzles which provide the jets of pressurized air.

According to another aspect, the jetting aeration system includes a water manifold with a plurality of openings distributed in a widthwise direction along the bottom of the sled, the openings configured to serve as the nozzles which provide the jets of pressurized water.

In yet another aspect, the jetting aeration system includes an air manifold with a plurality of tubes extending from the air manifold and distributed in the widthwise direction along a bottom of the sled, with ends of the plurality of tubes being arranged within the openings of the water manifold and configured to serve as the nozzles which provide the jets of pressurized air.

In still another aspect, the system includes an air hose and a water hose configured to deliver pressurized air and water to the jetting aeration system from the surface above the water bottom.

According to another aspect, the suction funnel includes a generally rectangular nozzle having a height of at least 1 foot and a width of at least five feet.

In accordance with another aspect, the vacuum includes a Venturi pump which creates a Venturi flow that suctions and delivers the trash and debris to the conveyor.

According to still another aspect, the system includes a water hose configured to deliver pressurized water to the Venturi pump to create the Venturi flow.

In yet another aspect, the system includes a shaker grating arranged at an opposite end of the conveyor, the shaker grating being configured to receive the trash and debris transported by the conveyor and to separate trash and debris from smaller fish and/or shellfish sucked up by the vacuum.

According to another aspect, the shaker grating includes a plurality of bars arranged in a fan shape from one end to another, the fan shape comprising graduated spacing between adjacent bars.

According to another aspect, the system includes a shock absorbing system which absorbs a shock associated with the sled colliding with an immovable object on the water bottom.

In still another aspect, shock absorbing system includes a sensor for sensing when the sled collides with an immovable object, and for providing a control signal indicative of the collision.

According to another aspect, the system includes an automatic bottom finder system for controlling a position of the sled relative to the water bottom.

In accordance with another aspect, the automatic bottom finder system comprises a cable from which the sled is suspended and a sensor for sensing a relative weight of the sled exerted on the cable, and controls a depth of the sled by adjusting a length of the cable based on an output of the sensor.

In yet another aspect, the automatic bottom finder system includes a winch which adjusts the length of the cable, the winch being controlled based on the output of the sensor.

According to another aspect, the sensor includes at least one of a crane scale, pneumatic scale, spring hanger, air cylinder or hydraulic cylinder.

In still another aspect, a water vessel is provided which includes a trash removal system and a hull to which the trash removal system is attached.

In accordance with another aspect, a water vessel is provided which includes a trash removal system, a hull to which the trash removal system is attached, and a propulsion control system which controls the propulsion of the water vessel. The propulsion control system is configured to at least one of reduce or stop propulsion of the water vessel in response to receipt of the control signal indicative of the collision.

According to another embodiment, a method for removing trash from a water bottom is provided. The method includes moving a sled along the water bottom, the sled including a jetting aeration system having nozzles which provide jets of pressurized air and water directed towards the water bottom; and a vacuum including a suction funnel adjacent the jetting aeration system which is configured to suck in trash and debris agitated by the jetting aeration system. The method further includes conveying trash and debris sucked in by the suction funnel to a surface above the water bottom.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the invention, then, comprises the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative embodiments of the invention. These embodiments are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed. Other objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In the annexed drawings, like references indicate like parts or features:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a trash removal system employed on a water vessel in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic side view in partial cross-section of a sled including a jetting aeration system and vacuum in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of the sled according to the embodiment of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a schematic bottom view of the jetting aeration system of the sled according to the embodiment of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a shaker grating in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a shock absorbing system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary control of the automatic bottom finder system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

The trash removal system and method described herein presents a quick and efficient way for removing trash and other debris from the floor of rivers, oceans, lakes and other types of water bodies. Not only does the system and method remove trash and other debris, it aerates the silt on the water floor to help revitalize the area for plant and other types of marine life.

The system includes, for example, a sled which rides along the water bottom. The sled includes a jetting aeration system along with a vacuum. The jetting aeration system agitates trash and silt sitting on or layered in the water bottom. The vacuum sucks up the trash and delivers it to a conveyor which brings the trash onto a water vessel where it may be deposited in containers and subsequently disposed of properly. The agitated silt is aerated which in turn facilitates future plant growth. Shell fish and other type fish that may be sucked up by the vacuum can be returned to the water and the cleaner and healthier environment.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an exemplary embodiment of a trash removal system 10 for removing trash from a water bottom 12 in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. The system 10 is deployed on a water vessel 14 such as a barge, catamaran, garbage scow, river boat, pontoon, or any other of many types of water vessels suitable for the shape and size water body being cleaned.

The trash removal system 10 includes a sled 16 configured to ride along the water bottom 12. The sled includes a sled body 18 which, as described below in connection with FIGS. 2 and 3, may be made up of a frame structure which rides along the water bottom 12. The frame structure may simply be pushed or dragged along the water bottom 12 by the water vessel 14. In addition, or in the alternative, the frame structure may include wheels to facilitate riding along the water bottom 12. In another alternative, the frame structure might be suspended and not in direct contact with the water bottom 12 as it rides along the water bottom 12. As used herein, reference to the sled 16 “riding along the water bottom 12” broadly refers to the sled 16 literally being in contact with the water bottom 12, and/or being suspended above the water bottom 12 close enough still to retrieve trash as described herein.

The sled 16 further includes, as described in more detail below, a jetting aeration system 20 having nozzles which provide jets of pressurized air and water directed towards the water bottom 12. The water and air are jetted at high speed through the nozzles in order to agitate any trash and debris which sits upon or has become layered in silt along the water bottom 12. The agitation created by the jetted water and air causes the trash debris to become slightly buoyant or suspended at the water bottom 12. At the same time, the jetted air serves to aerate the water bottom 12. Pressurized water and air are provided to the jetting aeration system 20 via respective supplies (not shown) aboard the water vessel 14.

Moreover, the sled 16 includes a vacuum 22 which serves to capture the trash and debris agitated by the jetting aeration system 20. Specifically, the vacuum 22 includes a suction funnel (described below) adjacent the jetting aeration system 20. The suction funnel is configured to suck in the trash and debris so that it may be delivered from the water bottom to the water vessel 14. The trash and debris is then collected on the water vessel 14 for subsequent disposal at an appropriate location (e.g., landfill, etc.).

Specifically, the trash removal system 10 further includes a conveyor 24 for delivering the trash and debris to the water vessel 14. The conveyor 24 is configured at one end to receive the trash and debris sucked in by the suction funnel. The conveyor 24, in turn, transports the trash and debris to the water vessel 14 on the surface 26 above the water bottom 12. The conveyor 24 may be any of a variety of types of conveyors as are known. For example, the conveyor 24 may be a motorized belt type, spiral type, chain type, pneumatic type, etc. The conveyor 24 may be enclosed fully or partially in a housing to avoid trash and debris being knocked off the conveyor 24 due to water currents during transport from the water bottom 12 to the water surface 26.

Included in the trash removal system 10 at the opposite end of the conveyor 24 on the water vessel 14 is a shaker grating 28. The shaker grating 28 receives the trash and debris from and conveyor 24 and serves to separate the trash and debris from smaller fish and/or shellfish which may have been sucked up by the vacuum 22. Preferably the shaker grating 28 is attached to the end of the conveyor 24 via a hinge 30. This enables the shaker grating to maintain a downward sloped direction from the end of the conveyor 24 while accommodating for adjustments in the level of the conveyor 24.

In a preferred embodiment, the shaker grating 28 includes a plurality of bars arranged in a fan shape from one end to another, the fan shape comprising graduated spacing between adjacent bars. The smaller fish and shell fish will fall through the grating 28 through a cavity formed in the hull of the water vessel 14 so that they may be returned to the water. Conversely, larger items of trash and debris remain atop the grating 28 and may be gathered in a bin 32 or other container. The shaker grating 28 preferably further includes an automated mechanism 34 for providing a lateral shaking action to the grating 28. This helps to separate the fish from the trash and cause the trash to descend from the end of the conveyor 24 towards the bin 32. The automated mechanism 34 may be, for example, an eccentric motor mounted to the bars of the grating 28 which cause the bars to shake back and forth.

The conveyor 24 may protrude through a cavity formed in the hull of the water vessel 14, as represented in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the hull of the water vessel 14 may be U-shaped or catamaran style to provide an opening through which the conveyor 24 may run. As yet another alternative, the conveyor 24 may be mounted along the side of the water vessel 14.

The water vessel 14 may include an inclination support frame 38 attached to the hull for controlling an incline level of the conveyor 24. A winch 40 (e.g., hydraulic or electric) is mounted to the inclination support frame 38, with the winch cable 42 coupled to the end of the conveyor 24. By controlling the length of the cable 42, it is possible to adjust the angle of inclination of the conveyor 24 relative to the water bottom 12. At the same time, it is possible to adjust the angle of inclination of the shaker grating 28 relative to the bin 32 or other container.

The water vessel 14 may further include a sled support frame 50 attached to the hull from which the sled 16 is suspended according to the exemplary embodiment. A winch 52 (e.g., hydraulic or electric) is mounted to the sled support frame 50. The winch cable 54 is connected via a pulley 56 to the end of the conveyor 24 near the sled 16. In an alternative embodiment, the winch cable 54 is connected via a pulley 56 to the sled 16 itself, for example. In yet another embodiment, the winch cable 54 is connected directly to the end of the conveyor 24 or the sled 16 itself.

In a preferred embodiment, the winch cable 54 is connected to the conveyor 24 or sled 16 via the pulley 56. The end of the winch cable 54 is run from the pulley 56 back up to the sled support frame 50 to which it is attached. The end of the winch cable 54 is attached to the sled support frame 50 via a weight sensor 60 (e.g., crane scale or the like), which serves to sense the relative weight of the sled 16 which is exerted on the sled support frame 50. By controlling the length of the winch cable 54, the trash removal system 10 adjusts the position of the sled 16 relative to the water bottom 12. This enables the trash removal system 10 to account for changes in depth as the water vessel 14 travels along.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the sled 16 in more detail. As described above, the sled 16 includes the frame body 18 configured to ride along the water bottom 12. The jetting aeration system 20 includes multiple nozzles 70 toward the bottom of the sled 16 which provide the jets of pressurized air and water directed towards the water bottom 12. The vacuum 22 includes a suction funnel 80 having a suction opening 82 also directed towards the water bottom 12. In the preferred embodiment, the suction opening 82 is sized according to the expected size and amount of trash and debris to be retrieved. For example, the suction opening 82 may have a width of at least five feet and height of at least 1 foot. It will be appreciated, however, that the suction opening 82 may be larger or smaller depending on the application.

The frame body 18 may be constructed, for example, using 8-inch metal (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, etc.) piping formed in the shape of a U, with the base of the U facing in the travel direction. Bottom runners 84 are formed on the bottom of the frame body 18 on which the sled 16 can ride when riding along in contact with the water bottom 12. The bottom runners 84 preferably are made of durable metal (e.g., stainless steel) selected to protect the sled 16 against damage due to rocks or large debris that may be encountered.

The jetting aeration system 20 includes a water manifold 86 which can be constructed, for example, by a metal box with ⅛th-inch walls. At the bottom of the water manifold are the nozzles 70 through which pressurized water from the manifold 86 is jetted toward the water bottom 12. As is shown in FIG. 4, the nozzles 70 preferably are embodied in multiple openings in the water manifold 86 distributed in a widthwise direction along the bottom of the sled 16. In the exemplary embodiment, the openings are ¾th-inch in diameter, formed by pipes 88 having a ⅞th-inch outer diameter.

Pressurized water is delivered to the water manifold 86 via a high pressure hose 94 leading to the water vessel 14. As an example, the hose 94 may be a 4-inch diameter hose. The source of pressurized water may be a pump (not shown) on board the vessel 14, for example. The pump may draw water from the water body 12 itself as will be appreciated.

The jetting aeration system 20 further includes an air manifold 90 with a plurality of tubes 92 extending from the air manifold 90 and also distributed in a widthwise direction along a bottom of the sled 16. In the exemplary embodiment, the air manifold 90 is located within the water manifold 86. The tubes 92 are coupled to the air manifold 90, with ends of the tubes 92 being configured to serve as the nozzles which provide the jets of pressurized air. Specifically, an end of each tube is directed though a corresponding opening in the water manifold 86 serving as a nozzle 70 for the pressurized water. Thus, the nozzles 70 in the water manifold serve as the source for both pressurized water and pressurized air directed towards the water bottom 12. It will be appreciated, however, that the jets of pressurized air and pressurized water could be distributed separately without departing from the intended scope of the invention in the broadest sense.

The air manifold 90 may be constructed, for example, of a ¾th-inch pipe with ⅛th-inch pipe serving as the tubes 92. Pressurized water is delivered to the air manifold 90 via a high pressure hose 96 also leading to the water vessel 14. For example, the hose 96 may be a ¾ inch high pressure air hose. The source of pressurized water may be, for example, a compressor or other source of pressurized air (not shown) on board the water vessel 14.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the vacuum 22 utilizes a Venturi pump 100 attached to the suction funnel 80 to create the vacuum for suctioning the trash and debris and delivering it to the conveyor 24. Specifically, the Venturi pump 100 creates a Venturi flow. The Venturi flow creates a suction 102 that delivers trash and debris 104 through the suction funnel 80 and onto or into the conveyor 24. A high pressure water hose 108 provides pressurized water from a pressurized water source to the Venturi 100 pump to create the Venturi flow. The source of pressurized water may be, for example, a water pump (not shown) located on the water vessel 14.

In the exemplary embodiment, the suction funnel 80 transitions from the opening 82 to a 12-inch diameter tube transitioning into the Venturi pump 100. Of course, it will be appreciated that other dimensions are equally suitable. It will also be appreciated that although the exemplary embodiment of the vacuum 22 utilizes a Venturi pump 100, other types of pumps, etc. for creating a vacuum may be utilized on the sled 16 without departing from the scope of the invention.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the suction funnel 80 is preferably coupled to the sled body 18 via a hinged arrangement 110. This allows the sled body 18 and conveyor 24 to rotate relative to one another so that the sled body 18 may remain relatively parallel with the water bottom 12 despite changes in angle of inclination of the conveyor 24 (e.g., due to operation of the winches 40 and 52).

In the exemplary embodiment, the sled 16 also includes a shield plate 114 positioned between the nozzles of the jetting aeration system 20 and the opening 82 of the suction funnel 80. A seal plate 118 (not shown in FIG. 3) is attached via a hinge 120 to the shield plate 114 at one end, and abuts the suction funnel 80 at the other end. The shield plate 114 and seal plate 118 serve to define a desired suction path for the trash and debris agitated by the jetting aeration system 20 to flow into the opening 82.

Referring briefly to FIG. 5, the shaker grating 28 is illustrated in more detail. As described earlier, the shaker grating 28 preferably includes a plurality of bars 128 arranged in a fan shape from one end to another. The fan shape includes graduated spacing 130 between adjacent bars 128. The smaller fish and shell fish will fall through the grating 28 into a bin (not shown) or through a cavity (also not shown) formed in the hull of the water vessel 14 so that they may be returned to the water. Conversely, larger items of trash and debris remain atop the grating 28 and may be gathered in the bin 32 or other container.

As previously described and now shown in detail in FIG. 6, the water vessel 14 may include the inclination support frame 38 attached to the hull for controlling an incline level of the conveyor 24. The winch 40 is mounted to the inclination support frame 38, with the winch cable 42 coupled to the end of the conveyor 24. By controlling the length of the cable 42 via the winch 40, it is possible to adjust the angle of inclination of the conveyor 24 relative to the water bottom 12. At the same time, it is possible to adjust the angle of inclination of the shaker grating 28 relative to the bin 32 or other container.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 6, the trash removal system further includes a shock absorbing system 140 configured to absorb a shock associated with the sled 16 colliding with a heavy or otherwise immovable object on the water bottom 12. The shock absorbing system 140 includes one or more shock absorbers 142 connected, for example, between the support frame 38 and the conveyor 24. In the exemplary embodiment, the system 140 includes a spring loaded or hydraulic cylinder type shock absorber 142. One end of the cylinder is connected via a hinged arrangement 146 to the support frame 38. The other end of the cylinder is connected via a hinged arrangement 148 to a support frame 150 mounted to the conveyor 24. The hinged arrangements 146 and 148 enable the incline of the conveyor 24 to be adjusted freely via the winches 40 and 52.

During operation of the trash removal system, if the sled 16 runs into a heavy or otherwise immovable object the shock will be transmitted towards the water vessel 14 via the conveyor 24. As a result of the conveyor 24 being coupled to the support frame 38 via the shock absorber 142, the shock absorber 142 will incur compressive and/or tensile force. The shock absorber 142 is designed to dampen such forces in order to reduce the actual shock realized by the water vessel 14.

In the exemplary embodiment, the shock absorber 142 includes a sensor 154. The sensor 154 is configured to sense when the force exerted on the shock absorber exceeds a predefined limit representative of a collision with an immovable object. The sensor 154 may be a pressure sensor, strain sensor or the like, depending on the particular type of shock absorber utilized as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art. The output of the sensor 154 is provided wirelessly or via electrical cable 156 to the vessel propulsion control system 158 located on the water vessel 14. The vessel propulsion control system 158 is located typically at the operator control station located on the water vessel 14. The sensor 154, when activated, may be utilized to control illumination of a warning light or buzzer to indicate to the operator that the sled 16 has collided with an immovable object on the water floor 12. In addition, or in the alternative, the vessel propulsion control system 158 includes an automatic propulsion interrupter responsive to the control signal from the sensor 154. Despite the amount of propulsion called for by the operator, the automatic propulsion interrupter reduces, stops and/or reverses the amount of propulsion upon the sensor 154 being activated. The automatic propulsion interrupter may be embodied in a microprocessor executing a program stored in non-volatile memory as part of the vessel propulsion control system 158.

Returning briefly to FIG. 1, it has been explained how the end of the winch cable 54 is attached to the sled support frame 50 via a weight sensor 60, which serves to sense the relative weight of the sled 16 which is exerted on the sled support frame 50. By controlling the length of the winch cable 54, the trash removal system 10 adjusts the position of the sled 16 relative to the water bottom 12. This enables the trash removal system 10 to account for changes in depth as the water vessel 14 travels along.

The trash removal system 10, in the exemplary embodiment, includes a controller (not shown) as part of an automatic bottom finder system 160 for controlling the position of the sled 16 relative to the water bottom 12. The automatic bottom finder system includes the controller along with the cable 54 from which the sled 16 is suspended and the sensor 60 for sensing the relative weight of the sled 16 exerted on the cable 54, and controls a depth of the sled 16 by adjusting the length of the cable 54 based on an output of the sensor 60.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the sensor 60 may be a crane scale, pneumatic scale, or other type scale suitable for measuring changes in the relative weight of the sled 16. The controller includes a microprocessor executing a program stored in non-volatile memory, for example. The controller is configured to receive a control signal output from the sensor 60 (e.g., wirelessly or by electrical cable), and to control operation of the winch 52 (e.g., by supplying controlled electrical power in the case of an electric winch or supplying controlled hydraulic power in the case of a hydraulic winch). FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary control program algorithm executed by the microprocessor, although it will be appreciated that there are a variety of suitable algorithms.

Referring to FIG. 7, the automatic bottom finder system may operate as follows. The system is initiated at a time when the sled 16 is submerged in the water with the air/water jets active, but known not to be on the water bottom 12. Next, in step S1 the controller determines if the weight W measured by the sensor 60 is greater than a weight W_(B) associated with the sled 16 being near, but not fully resting on the water bottom 12. As will be appreciated, the sled 16 will have a weight associated with it until it nears the water bottom 12. Once the sled 16 nears the water bottom 12, the water and air jets provided by the nozzles jetting downward will tend to “lift” the sled 16 from the water bottom 12. As a result, the sensor 60 will sense a reduction in the relative weight of the sled 16. Such reduced weight is predetermined as W_(B). On the other hand, if the sled 16 continues to be lowered, the sled 16 will come to rest its full weight on the water bottom 12. In such case, the measured weight of the sled 16 will go to zero.

If, in step S1, it is determined that the weight W measured by the sensor 60 is greater than W_(B), the controller controls the winch 52 to lay out an additional length of cable 54 in order to lower the sled 16 a predetermined amount, as represented in step S2. The controller then returns to step S1. If in step S1 the controller determines that the weight W measured by the sensor 60 is not greater than W_(B), the controller proceeds to step S3. In step S3, the controller determines whether the weight W measured by the sensor 60 is zero—indicative of the sled 16 resting fully on the water bottom 12. If yes in step S3, the controller proceeds to step S4 in which the controller controls the winch 52 to take up a predefined amount of cable 54 in order to raise the sled 16 a predetermined amount. The controller then returns to step S1. If no in step S3, it is understood that the sled is riding along the water bottom 12 at a desired depth and the controller returns to step S1.

The above process can be carried out as the system operates to collect trash and other debris from the water bottom 12. In this manner, should the depth of the water body change as the water vessel 14 proceeds along the automatic bottom finder system will continue to adjust the depth of the sled 16 as desired. According to another embodiment, the controller simply lowers the sled 16 by laying out the cable 54 until the weight W measured by the sensor 60 goes to zero so as to indicate the sled 16 is resting on the water bottom 12. The sled 16 can then be propelled or dragged directly along the water bottom 12. If the water depth increases, the sensor 60 senses an increase in weight and causes the winch 52 to lay out more cable 54. If the water depth decreases, the cable 54 will begin to exhibit slack that can be recognized by an operator. The operator can in turn control the winch 52 to take up some cable 54 in order to remove the slack.

As another alternative, the controller may lower the sled 16 by laying out the cable 54 until the weight W measured by the sensor 60 goes to zero. However, the controller then automatically takes up a predetermined amount of cable 54 (e.g., one foot) such that the sled 16 will ride along the water bottom 12 a predetermine height above the water bottom 12.

Each of the processes described above may include delays built into the algorithm, as desired, in order to avoid rapid and frequent changes in depth adjustment of the sled 16.

The weight sensor 60 can take the form of a variety of different type sensors without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the weight sensor 60 may be made up of a spring hanger secured at one end to the sled support frame 50 and the other end secured to the end of the cable 54. One or more microswitches or other type position detecting switches may be incorporated to detect displacement of the spring to provide a control signal to the controller indicative of the amount of weight exerted on the hanger by the sled 16. The controller in turn controls the winch 52 as described herein. In the case of a hydraulic winch 52, for example, this may include controlling hydraulic solenoid valves to operate the winch 52 in order to adjust the length of the cable 54.

In an alternative embodiment, the weight sensor 60 may include an air or hydraulic cylinder with one end secured to the sled support frame 50 and the other end secured to the end of the cable 54. The weight exerted by the sled 16 on the sensor 60 affects the air or hydraulic pressure within the cylinder. Consequently, air or hydraulic pressure sensor(s) may be included within the weight sensor 60 measure the pressure within the cylinder and provide to the controller a control signal indicative of the relative weight of the sled 16. The controller again, in turn, may control a hydraulic winch 52, for example, by controlling hydraulic solenoid valves which operate the winch 52 to run the cable 54 in and out. In each of these embodiments, adjustable time delays may be designed into the system to smooth any adjustments carried out by the winch 52.

In view of the above, the system and method described herein addresses the strong and urgent need for cleaning up our rivers, lakes, oceans, etc. The trash removal system and method enables man to quickly and efficiently clean these bodies of water by removing the trash and other types of debris from water bottoms.

Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to a certain embodiment or embodiments, equivalent alterations and modifications may occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described elements (components, assemblies, devices, compositions, etc.), the terms (including a reference to a “means”) used to describe such elements are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any element which performs the specified function of the described element (i.e., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the herein exemplary embodiment or embodiments of the invention. In addition, while a particular feature of the invention may have been described above with respect to only one or more of several embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other embodiments, as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. 

1. A trash removal system for removing trash and debris from a water bottom, comprising: a sled configured to ride along the water bottom, the sled including: a jetting aeration system having nozzles which provide jets of pressurized air and water directed towards the water bottom; and a vacuum including a suction funnel adjacent the jetting aeration system which is configured to suck in trash and debris agitated by the jetting aeration system; and a conveyor configured at one end to receive the trash and debris sucked in by the suction funnel, and to transport the trash and debris to a surface above the water bottom.
 2. The trash removal system according to claim 1, wherein the jetting aeration system includes an air manifold with a plurality of tubes extending from the air manifold and distributed in a widthwise direction along a bottom of the sled, with ends of the plurality of tubes being configured to serve as the nozzles which provide the jets of pressurized air.
 3. The trash removal system according to claim 1, wherein the jetting aeration system includes a water manifold with a plurality of openings distributed in a widthwise direction along the bottom of the sled, the openings configured to serve as the nozzles which provide the jets of pressurized water.
 4. The trash removal system according to claim 3, wherein the jetting aeration system includes an air manifold with a plurality of tubes extending from the air manifold and distributed in the widthwise direction along a bottom of the sled, with ends of the plurality of tubes being arranged within the openings of the water manifold and configured to serve as the nozzles which provide the jets of pressurized air.
 5. The trash removal system according to claim 1, further including an air hose and a water hose configured to deliver pressurized air and water to the jetting aeration system from the surface above the water bottom.
 6. The trash removal system according to claim 1, wherein the suction funnel includes a generally rectangular nozzle having a height of at least 1 foot and a width of at least five feet.
 7. The trash removal system according to claim 1, wherein the vacuum includes a Venturi pump which creates a Venturi flow that suctions and delivers the trash and debris to the conveyor.
 8. The trash removal system according to claim 7, further including a water hose configured to deliver pressurized water to the Venturi pump to create the Venturi flow.
 9. The trash removal system according to claim 1, further comprising a shaker grating arranged at an opposite end of the conveyor, the shaker grating being configured to receive the trash and debris transported by the conveyor and to separate trash and debris from smaller fish and/or shellfish sucked up by the vacuum.
 10. The trash removal system according to claim 9, wherein the shaker grating includes a plurality of bars arranged in a fan shape from one end to another, the fan shape comprising graduated spacing between adjacent bars.
 11. The trash removal system according to claim 1, further including a shock absorbing system which absorbs a shock associated with the sled colliding with an immovable object on the water bottom.
 12. The trash removal system according to claim 11, wherein the shock absorbing system includes a sensor for sensing when the sled collides with an immovable object, and for providing a control signal indicative of the collision.
 13. The trash removal system according to claim 1, further comprising an automatic bottom finder system for controlling a position of the sled relative to the water bottom.
 14. The trash removal system according to claim 13, wherein the automatic bottom finder system comprises a cable from which the sled is suspended and a sensor for sensing a relative weight of the sled exerted on the cable, and controls a depth of the sled by adjusting a length of the cable based on an output of the sensor.
 15. The trash removal system according to claim 14, wherein the automatic bottom finder system includes a winch which adjusts the length of the cable, the winch being controlled based on the output of the sensor.
 16. The trash removal system according to claim 14, wherein the sensor includes at least one of a crane scale, pneumatic scale, spring hanger, air cylinder or hydraulic cylinder.
 17. A water vessel, comprising: the trash removal system according to claim 1; and a hull to which the trash removal system is attached.
 18. A water vessel, comprising: the trash removal system according to claim 12; a hull to which the trash removal system is attached; and a propulsion control system which controls the propulsion of the water vessel, the propulsion control system being configured to at least one of reduce or stop propulsion of the water vessel in response to receipt of the control signal indicative of the collision.
 19. A water vessel, comprising: the trash removal system according to claim 13; and a hull to which the trash removal system is attached.
 20. A method for removing trash from a water bottom, comprising: moving a sled along the water bottom, the sled including: a jetting aeration system having nozzles which provide jets of pressurized air and water directed towards the water bottom; and a vacuum including a suction funnel adjacent the jetting aeration system which is configured to suck in trash and debris agitated by the jetting aeration system; and conveying trash and debris sucked in by the suction funnel to a surface above the water bottom. 